Valorant Maps Guide: The Best Agents for Every Map (2023)

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Valorant Maps Guide: The Best Agents for Every Map (2023)

Dominate your matches with the best picks for every map in our Valorant maps guide


Valorant's biggest moments take place in it's maps, huge set pieces which not only showcase the game's interdimensional conflict, but also set the stage for memorable plays. Moreover, the way Valorant maps are designed majorly influences each competitive meta, and can alter a team's entire playstyle when small aspects of well-known areas get changed or reworked.

Being aware of the best line-ups and knowing where to position yourself can make all the difference for people getting into Riot's first-person shooter. At the same time, multiple reworks and seasonal map pool rotations can make it hard for newer players to keep up.

That's why we compiled the complete list of Valorant maps to provide pointers on the best angles and which agents to watch out for, while separating the active ones from maps that are out of rotation.

Keep track of the active maps to up your chances of climbing the ranks. More importantly, stay in-the-know about the combat zones in the game by looking at everything you need to know about Valorant maps in 2023.

All Valorant Maps

Valorant Maps In Rotation

These Valorant maps are included in the current competitive season's map pool.

Ascent

valorant maps credit: riot games

The very first map that was made for Riot's tactical FPS, Ascent is made out of large chunks of Venice that were ripped from Alpha Earth after the first Spike was detonated. As a map, Ascent features 2 planting sites, and a large courtyard in the middle.

Ascent is the most straightforward map in the game. Players can choose to play long-ranged firefights by going A, or control the tight corners of B-site with Sentinel agents when they're on Defense. Additionally, a ton of line-ups have been done in the map ever since the game's release in 2020.

Riot's done an excellent job in Ascent's design by making sure every type of Agent can get a chance to shine. But when discussing which agents reign supreme, Sentinels like Sage and Killjoy are huge assets that can lock down or help reclaim an Ascent objective.

Bind

valorant maps credit: riot games

Known as Valorant's smallest map, Bind's less traditional design allows for quick firefights within the first few seconds of each match. In place of a connecting “midlane”, Bind features multiple teleport entryways that instantaneously bring players closer to the other plant site.

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Despite having the teleporters placed closer on the Attacker's side, Defending teams find more success on average (53.82% more wins according to an official stat revealed during the VALORANT Champions 2023 tournament.) That said, Duelists are a must when you're on the attacking team.

Like Ascent, site A on Bind offers more breadth and space for fun gunplay while site B will have you checking multiple corners around a cargo hold which acts as its default plant site. Moreover, use your utility to deny the enemy's push with Controller agents like Brimstone, Omen and Viper.

Breeze

valorant maps credit: riot games

Taking the fight to a tropical paradise, Breeze stays true to its name by giving players two wide-open plant sites to fight for.

Duels are common very common in the early-game due to extended sightlines, so teammates will have to work together to control as much ground as possible. Moreover, Breeze's open design forces players to strategize and plan out which areas they want to control before heading into the objective. Going in guns blazing also works, but your team will likely get forced into a lengthy rotation.

Sentinels like Cypher and Killjoy are invaluable when you're locking down a site. On the other hand, Skye's AEO heal is a big advantage that gives the Attacking team a bit more sustain. Lastly, if you've got a good Astra or Viper on your team, a well-timed ultimate can tilt the odds strongly towards your favor.

Haven

valorant maps credit: riot games

The first map to feature 3 plant sites, Haven is one of the more recognizable maps in the Valorant maps list. It features stunning architecture and sharp turns that exhibit some references to the overarching story. As a result, Haven offers a balanced playground that lets every playstyle shine.

The characteristic that sets Haven apart from the other Valorant maps is how each site demands a different approach. Going A gives you two paths made for a split push (opens your team up to flanking enemies if otherwise), B-site has 3 entryways leading directly into a close-quarters objective, and C has open sightlines that strongly favor aggressive comps if you're on Attacker side.

Lotus

valorant maps credit: riot games

Lotus' lush map design is complimented with motifs from Indian architecture and Buddhism as a whole, but that's where the journey to enlightenment ends.

Since the release of Lotus, fans of the popular FPS have been at odds with each other when deciding if Lotus even deserves to be in the game. In any case, up to 55% in winrate has been recorded for Attackers in major tournaments. Knowing this (and the huge scope of the map) try to opt for the fast push between C or B before the defenders regroup.

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Rotating doors and elevated plant sites are unique aspects that make Lotus a challenging spot to play in. That said, take the most direct route to the plant site using Raze utils and Brimstone stim packs and lock it down before the rest of the enemy team can react. Five-man rushing the same site 12 times in a row won't fly in Diamond rank, however. Vary your approach, and be wary of Viper-Killjoy comps playing defense.

Split

valorant maps credit: riot games

Highly favorable towards Defender side, Split's complicated (and often frustrating) design presents tons of challenges when you're playing offense. With the most straightforward paths to either site being chokepoints, players often choose to force a push instead of using the alternate routes from mid, which is an uphill battle more often than not.

Killjoy and Cypher run the show when you find yourself Defending on Split. Sage support can also provide valuable utility to slow any straight pushes without putting herself in any risk. Inversely, Fade and Skye offer the best ways to gain information fast before a push with their utility/ultimate abilities. All in all, preparation is key when you're attacking on Split, so plan well with your fellow agents.

Sunset

valorant maps credit: riot games

The newest addition to the list of Valorant Maps.

The setting sun on this L.A. shopping district makes for a pretty fun return to basics. With only two places to plant your spike and 3 ways to get there, Sunset lets games run faster the more you play, rewarding your team's macroplay more than anything.

But don't let it's simplicity fool you. The corners on this Valorant map present angles that are more advantageous when you play on Defender's side. In other words, Attackers will have to plan around well-guarded positions to make it to the site unscathed. With that in mind, agents with long-distance smokes are king when you're invading.

Guard chokepoints when you're on Defense, but always leave one man to keep their sights on mid. This lets a person from either side rotate around the map to flank the attacking team and deny areas around mid. Finally, if you're attacking, smoke around long-distance angles to make your enemy pull resources away from either site.

Valorant Maps Out-of-rotation

These maps were removed from the current competitive map pool.

Icebox

valorant maps credit: riot games

Fracture

valorant maps credit: riot games

Pearl

valorant maps credit: riot games


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Paul Goño
Paul started writing for ESTNN in 2022, the same year he beat his first Souls game. An avid fan of RPGs, his all-time favorites include Baldur's Gate 3, Assassin’s Creed and Kingdom Hearts 2. Besides being a professional nerd, he still struggles to get over the broken PS2 memory card that stored years of his save files.